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Coniferous Trees
Cunninghamia lanceolata
China Fir
Cupressaceae
Southern China, Taiwan, northern Vietnam
At a Glance
TypeTree
HabitUpright
FoliageEvergreen
Height30–75 feet (9–23 m)
Width15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m)
Maturity25 years
Growing Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones
7 - 9Zone 7
Zone 8
Zone 9
These zones indicate the coldest temperatures this plant can typically survive.
Frost Tolerancehardy
Key Features
Deer Resistant
Drought Tolerant
Maintenancelow
Overview
Cunninghamia lanceolata is a large, evergreen coniferous tree in the family Cupressaceae, native to montane forests of southern China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam. The genus Cunninghamia commemorates James Cunningham, an early 18th-century Scottish surgeon who collected plants in China; lanceolata means 'lance-shaped,' referring to the needle form. Trees grow 30–75 feet (9–23 m) tall and 15–25 feet (4.5–7.5 m) wide, developing a broadly pyramidal to conical crown with strongly whorled horizontal branch tiers. The foliage is unlike most Cupressaceae: STIFF, LANCE-SHAPED, SHARP-POINTED NEEDLES 1–2.5 inches (2.5–6 cm) long in two ranks along the branchlets in flat sprays — mid to dark green above with two white stomatal bands beneath. The reddish-brown bark exfoliates in fibrous vertical strips exposing orange-red inner bark. Dead brown foliage persists on branches before dropping — a normal characteristic of the species, not dieback. New foliage regrows from old wood if the tree is cut back hard, unusual among conifers. Non-toxic.
Native Range
Cunninghamia lanceolata is native to montane forests of southern China, Taiwan, and northern Vietnam at 600–4,900 feet (200–1,500 m) elevation in humid, subtropical to warm-temperate forest habitats. It is one of the most important timber trees in China.Suggested Uses
Cunninghamia lanceolata is planted as a large specimen or screen tree in Pacific Northwest parks and large gardens where the lance-needle foliage and whorled branch architecture provide year-round distinction. The 30–75 foot (9–23 m) mature height requires adequate space. Educational value: one of the most important Chinese timber conifers; unique lance-needle foliage form; normal dead-foliage retention character; contrast with the blue-foliaged cultivar Cunninghamia lanceolata 'Glauca'.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height30' - 75'
Width/Spread15' - 25'
Reaches mature size in approximately 25 years
Colors
Flower Colors
brown
Foliage Colors
green
Fall Foliage Colors
no change
Bloom Information
Bloom Period
~3 weeksJ
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Spring
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
inconspicuous; ovoid brown cones 1–2 inchesFoliage Description
mid to dark green above; two white stomatal bands beneathGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Full Sun
Partial Shade
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Soil Requirements
pH Range5.0 - 7.0(Neutral)
357912
Soil Types
loamclaysand
Drainage
well drained
Water & Climate
Water Needs
Medium
Frost Tolerance
hardy
Time to Maturity
20–30 years
Drought Tolerance
Drought tolerant when established
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Plant Cunninghamia lanceolata in full sun in moist, well-drained, acidic to neutral soil with a pH of 5.0–7.0. Tolerates partial shade but develops a more open form. Consistent moisture during the first two to three growing seasons. Moderate drought tolerance once established. Tolerates hard pruning and will regenerate from old wood. Dead brown foliage on inner branches is normal and does not require removal. Avoid waterlogged soils.Pruning
No pruning is required to maintain the pyramidal form. Lower branches may be removed to expose the ornamental bark. Tolerates hard pruning and regenerates from old wood. Remove dead branches in late spring.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
late spring